Track for adjustable fastening devices



Nov. 13, 1956 N. STATHAM 2,770,924

TRACK FOR ADJUSTABLE FASTENING mgvxcas Filed March 6, 1952 llllllllliflllllIlWl/I, A .1 AA

/b 5 w S l /2 V I7 23' Z4 20 45 United States Patent TRACK FOR ADJUSTABLE FASTENING DEVICES Noel Statham, New Canaan, Conn.

Application March 6, 1952, Serial No. 275,143

10 Claims. (Cl. 24-206) My present invention relates to devices for adjustably fastening two articles together or two pieces of the same article. Devices of similar function are described and claimed in certain prior patents of mine, as for example 2,437,765 of March 16, 1948. In this patent a plastic track is provided of such a nature that it can be attached directly to the work as by a central longitudinally extending line of stitching. In another form of my device the track consists of a plurality of spaced stops which extend entirely across the track and are clamped beneath the same as shown in my prior Patent 1,887,825. In this type of device it is necessary to have the band to which stops are attached of a width substantially greater than the track itself in order that it may be attached to the work by lines of stitching exterior to and parallel with the track. In using this form of device on garments or other articles, it is usually necessary to slit the same and dispose therein that portion of the tape extending outside of the track.

My present invention aims to obviate the necessity of having a tape or band wider than the track by providing a track which although it has metal stops or the equivalent thereon may nevertheless be secured directly to the work by a central longitudinal line of stitching or other similarly disposed means of attachment in a space entirely free of material composing the stops.

In carrying out my invention, I provide a track consisting of a band of flexible tape-like material having a series of stops thereon comprising elements disposed crosswise of the band and having clamping portions engaging the same, said stops being interrupted to provide a free space extending longitudinally and through the band to accommodate a continuous line of stitching or other means such as staples or the like for attaching the track to the work.

My invention will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken with the annexed drawing in which Fig. l is a plan view of a preferred embodiment showing the track attached to the work and the slider in place thereon;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the track per se;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view in longitudinal section taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view taken on lines 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged section taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 shows a modification;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken online 7-'-7 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of a further modification; and

Fig. 9 is an enlarged view in section taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

As shown in the figures, my improved track consists of a tape or band 10 of suitable material as for example a'closely woven fabric which if desired may be suitably impregnatedwith a plastic or semi-plastic material, e. g.

' known in the art of slide fasteners.

2,770,024 Patented Nov. 13,- 1956 ICC Celluloid or any of the many Celluloid-like plastics. However formed, the track will permit stitching of the material while having enough body or stiffness to enable the stops to be secured thereto by clamping action. If the fabric is sufiiciently stiff, it need not be impregnated. It will be noted that the band 10 is provided with a series of stops 11, each composed of two complementary parts or elements 11a, 11b, such elements being of the nature of U-shaped staples which engage opposite edge portions of the band by a clamping action aided by turned-in edges 12. Thus far I have employed metal as the material for constituting the stops of which brass has been preferred since it possesses the requisite strength and rigidity while being non-corrosive. In general, however, any metal or non-metallic material may be employed which has been found useful in the art of making slide fasteners. In the embodiment of Figs. 1-5 I have employed stop elements 11a, 11b, the sides of which are substantially contiguous as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, such construction adding to the strength and appearance of the track.

On the other hand, the staples 11a, 11b may be spaced apart by a more substantial amount as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, such construction making for increased flexibility of the track.

In any case it will be noted that the elements 11a,- 11b, which together constitute a single stop, are of a length so as to fall short of meeting in the center, thereby providing a free space 14 extending longitudinally of and through the band to accommodate stitching 15 for attaching the band to the part 16. In lieu of stitching, other attaching means may be employed as for example staples or the like, not shown. As will be evident, especially from Fig. 8, the stop elements 11a, 111) so nearly abut on either side of the track as to prevent the track from having any tendency to fold or buckle along the center line of stitching and in this manner become released from the clamp of the slider. The natural stifiness of the material of the track also helps to prevent this. It will also be noted that the action of the stitching 15 is to cause a tilt of the track relative to the fabric to which it is attached, thereby enabling the slider to move more freely.

The improved track is used in connection with a slider 20 of the type shown in my Patent 2,437,765 above mention 24a and a cam portion 24b and is further provided with trunnions 25, 25 to engage apertures in the ears 23, 23. The material forming the ears23 is takenfro-m the body portion 21 thereby forming an aperture in said. body portion denoted by 26 to enable the cam 24b to come in contact and to be secured between adjacent stops 11. Body portion 21 may terminate in loop 27 by which the slider is attached to a member not shown. As will be evident from Figs. 3 and 4, the turned in edges T2 of adjacent staples create depressions between the raised portions of such staples, such depressions serving to retain the cam 24b when the same is inserted into place.-v

In Figs. 8 and 9 is shown a still further modification of my improved track consisting of fabric strips 30, 31

which are secured intermediate the longitudinal edges by means of stitching 32. The strips 30, 31 thus se'curetl' together at approximately midpoint thereof present op posed outer edges on each of which is disposed registering rows of staples 33, such staples bing secured to-the' fabric by clamping action, such construction being well Thereby the registering aligned staples present a series of stops the same as in the embodiments already described, such stops affording a longitudinally extending free space to accommodate stitching 35 to secure the track to the part 36. The track thus constituted accommodates the slider as in the previously described embodiments. Since the stops project slightly upwardly, ample space is afforded between the stops and the surfaces beneath same to accommodate the free ends 22 of the slider clamp. The staples forming the stops 11 may also be formed, if desired, by die-casting the same directly upon the tape or band 10.

It will be seen that in the embodiments above described, the track 10 may thus be secured directly to the part to be attached by stitching which has a free and uninterrupted space for the stitching needle to work. Where such space is obstructed by the stops or portions thereof, it is difiicult or impossible to keep the needle from becoming broken by accidental contact therewith.

It will be understood that various changes will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A track forming one member of an adjustable fastener of which the other member is comprised of a slider adapted to be secured to one of two parts to be adjustably secured together, said track comprising an integral band of tape-like material and upon which said slider is adapted to be slidably secured by virtue of an element of generally elliptical cross section adapted to embrace the longitudinal edges of the track and having open ends which extend beneath the edges of the track together with a clamp for fixedly securing the slider at a desired point along the track, said track having a series of transverse stops between adjacent of which said slider is adapted to be clamped, said stops comprising elements disposed crosswise of the band and projecting above the surface thereof and provided with clamping portions engaging said band, said stops further having interruptions therein at either face and substantially centrally of the band which afford a free space extending longitudinally of and through the band to accommodate continuous means for attaching said band to the other of said parts to be secured, the extent of said stops crosswise of the band being confined substantially to the transverse extent of said band, and the track having substantial rigidity in the transverse direction suiticient essentially to prevent escape of the track from the slider by transverse collapse of the track when the slider is applied to it, thereby affording smooth movement of the slider along said track.

2. A track forming one member of an adjustable fastener of which the other member is comprised of a slider adapted to be secured to one of two parts to be adjustably secured together, said track consisting of a band of flexible tape-like material upon which said slider is adapted to be slidably secured by virtue of an element of generally elliptical cross section having open ends which extend beneath the edges of the track together with a clamp for fixedly securing the slider at a desired point along the track, said track having a series of stops between adjacent of which said slider is adapted to be clamped, each of said stops being comprised of a pair of aligned oppositely disposed transversely extending staple-like elements, the elements on one side each fixedly engaging a separate tape member together with means for joining said tape members together to constitute said band, such elements further affording a free space extending longitudinally of and through the band to accommodate continuous means intermediate the edges of the band for attaching same to the other of said parts to be secured.

3. A track having free side edges forming one member of an adjustable fastener, of which the other member is comprised of a slider adapted to be secured to one track providing surface projections from said strip, be-

tween adjacent ones of which the clamp on the slider may be inserted to secure the slider in position on the track, the said stops having inner terminal ends aligned along a longitudinally extending line located substantially centrally between the side edges of said track, said strip having a longitudinally extending, substantially continuous and uniform intermediate section adjacent to the inner terminal ends of said stops and uninterrupted by said stops and constituted of material capable of being penetrated by a needle to secure said track to the other of said parts to be secured by a longitudinal line of stitching positioned adjacent to the inner terminal ends of said stops, the extent of said stops crosswise of the strip being confined substantially to the transverse extent of said strip, and the track having substantial rigidity in the transverse direction sufficient essentially to prevent escape of the track from the slider by transverse collapse of the track when the slider is applied to it, thereby aifording smooth movement of the slider along said track.

4. A track according to claim 3 in which adjacent stops in a longitudinal line are spaced sufficiently to accommodate the slider clamp between them and to permit the slider clamp to reach to the upper surface of the strip.

5. A track according to claim 3 in which adjacent stops are in a longitudinal line and are substantially contiguous and having such substantially contiguous portions at a reduced height above the surface of the track whereby to secure the slider clamp between them.

6. A track forming one member of an adjustable fastener of which the other member is comprised of a slider adapted to be secured to one of two parts to be adjustably secured together and having a track engaging member having open ends which respectively extend beneath the side edges of the track to embrace said side edges, and such slider having a clamp for fixedly securing the same at a desired place on the track, said track comprising an integral strip, two separate, transversely spaced rows of transverse stops aflixed to said strip and extending longitudinally of the track constructed and arranged to provide surface projections from said strip and to enable the clamp on the slider to be inserted between the stops of both rows to secure the slider in position on the track, said strip having a longitudinally extending, substantially continuous and uniform intermediate section in the space between said rows of stops and separating the latter, said intermediate section being consti-' tuted of material capable of being penetrated by a needle to secure said track to the other of said parts to be secured by a longitudinal line of stitching, the extent of is applied to it, thereby affording smooth movement of the slider along said track.

7. A track forming one member of an adjustable fastener of which the other member is comprised of a slider adapted to be secured to one of two parts to be adjustably secured together and having a track engaging member having open ends which respectively extend beneath the side edges of the track to embrace said side edges, and such slider having a clamp for fixedly securing the same at a desired place on the track, said track comprising an integral strip, two 7 separate, transversely 5 spaced rows of stops affixed to said strip and extending longitudinally of the track constructed and arranged to provide surface projections fr m said strip and to enable the clamp on the slider to be inserted between the stops of both rows to secure the slider in position on the track, the stops in each row being disposed transversely of the track and parallel to each other, the innerends of each row of stops being aligned along a longitudinally extending line located between a respective side edge and the longitudinal center line of the strip, said strip having a longitudinally extending, substantially continuous and uniform intermediate section in the space between said rows of stops and separating the latter, said intermediate section being constituted of material capable of being penetrated by a needle to secure said track to the other of said parts to be secured by a longitudinal line of stitching and having a width less than the length of said stops and such that said longitudinal line of stitching is located adjacent to the inner ends of both rows of stops, the extent of said stops crosswise of the strip being confined substantially to the transverse extent of said strip, and the track having substantial rigidity in the transverse direction suificient essentially to prevent escape of the track from the slider by transverse collapse of the track when the slider is applied to it, thereby afiording smooth movement of the slider along said track.

8. A track having free side edges forming one member of an adjustable fastener of which the other member is comprised of a slider adapted to be secured to one of two parts to be adjustably secured together and having a track engaging member having open ends which respectively extend beneath the free side edges of the track to embrace said side edges, and such slider having a clamp for fixedly securing the same at a desired place on the track, said track comprising an integral strip, a series of stops providing surface projections from said strip and extending longitudinally of the track and between adjacent ones of which the clamp on the slider may be inserted to secure the slider in position on the track, said stops being disposed transversely of the track and each including end portions connected to the top and bottom surfaces of said strip, the inner terminal ends of said stops being aligned along a longitudinally extending line located substantially centrally between the side edges of said strip, said strip having a longitudinally extending, substantially continuous and uniform intermediate section adjacent to the inner terminal ends of said stops and constituted of material capable of being penetrated by a needle to secure said track to the other of said parts by a longitudinal line of stitching positioned adjacent to the inner terminal ends of said stops the extent of said stops crosswise of the strip being confined substantially to the transverse extent of said strip, and the track having substantial rigidity in the transverse direction sufiicient essentially to prevent escape of the track from the slider by transverse collapse of the track when the slider is applied to it, thereby affording smooth movement of the slider along said track.

9. An article having attached to a surface thereof a track having free side edges forming one member of an adjustable fastener of which the other member is composed of a slider adapted to be secured to another part of such article to be adjustably secured to such article surface and to slidably engage the free side edges of the track, and such slider having a clamp for fixedly securing the same at a desired place on the track, said track comprising an integral strip having substantial flexibility in a lengthwise direction, a series of stops extending longitudinally of the track and between adjacent of which the clamp on the slider may be inserted to secure the slider in position on the track, said stops being disposed transversely of the track and each including an intermediate portion projecting from a free side of said strip and end portions connected to the top and bottom surfaces of such side edge, the inner terminal ends of said stops being aligned along a longitudinally extending line located between the free side edges of said track, said strip having a longitudinally extending, substantially continuous and uniform intermediate section adjacent to the inner terminal ends of said stops, and a longitudinally extending line of securing means connecting such intermediate section of said track to said article surface, said securing means being positioned adjacent to the inner ends of the end portions of the stops connected to the bottom surface of said strip and coacting with the latter to tilt the associate free edge of the track relative to such article surface and thereby facilitate the sliding movement of the slider on the track, and the material of which such strip is constituted having sufiicient rigidity in a transverse direction to maintain the said stops in properly aligned relation in the use of the fastener.

10. An article having attached to a surface thereof a track having free side edges forming one member of an adjustable fastener of which the other member is composed of a slider adapted to be secured to another part of such article to be adjustably secured to such article surface and to slidably engage the free side edges of the track, and such slider having a clamp for fixedly securing the same at a desired place on the track, said track comprising an integral supporting strip having substantial flexibility in a lengthwise direction, two separate spaced rows of stops extending longitudinally of the track and constructed and arranged to enable the clamp on the slider to be inserted between the stops of both rows to secure the slider in position on the track, said stops having outer end portions projecting beyond the associate side edge of the strip and portions connected to the top and bottom surfaces of such side edge, said strip having a longitudinally extending, substantially continuous and uniform intermediate section between said rows of stops and separating the latter, and a longitudinally extending line of stitching securing said intermediate section to said article surface, said intermediate section having a width less than the length of said stops and such that said longitudinal line of stitching is so located adjacent to the inner ends of both rows of stops that it coacts with the latter to tilt the side edges of the track relative to such article surface and thereby facilitate the sliding movement of the slider on the track, and the material of which such strip is constituted having suflicient rigidity in a transverse direction to maintain the said stops in properly aligned relation in the use of the fastener.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,887,826 Statham Nov. 15, 1932 2,143,309 Frank Jan. 10, 1939 2,395,869 Hendley Mar. 5, 1946 2,437,765 Statham Mar. 16, 1948 2,441,377 Taberlet May 11,1948 

